It was September 2015 when I started this journey! As everyone knows LIFE GETS BUSY!! The universe will direct you down many different paths and the thrills of life are exploring those paths even if it's in the opposite direction to your true future and true self.

I found myself following these paths that were my distractions; following the voices in my head that were telling me 'THIS IS WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING!'

My working life has always been a privileged one. I was lucky enough to earn a living traveling doing what I love! I was a young wide-eyed 18 year old traveling the world and modelling full time. Among my travels I discovered YOGA! While on a 3 month contract in India I stumbled across the most incredible temple and people where inside practicing yoga. I joined in even though I could not understand a word of Hindi and they could not understand me. There I was; a tiny blonde white girl joining in their practice just smiling and nodding at them while I copied their movements. I was hooked from that moment!

After spending 5 more adventurous years modelling and travelling I decided I was ready for some stability. I wanted to feel grounded. I was sick of living out of a suitcase and constantly saying goodbye to my incredible partner James.

Modelling was still apart of my life however it was not my full time income and I was focusing my energy on health and fitness! Health and fitness became my exhilarating passion! I found that buzz that I used to get from modelling. I LOVED HELPING PEOPLE! Achieve fitness goals; achieve personal goals and watching people transform not only their physical bodies but their inner body too!

Once instructing became an everyday thing I starting searching for the perfect exercise mat... They were all so boring! There was nothing in the market that was inspiring me and encouraging me to get up and go exercise. So... I decided why not MAKE MY OWN YOGA MATS!

The design process was fun! I'm a creative person and seeing my vision come to life was really special. Take a look at some of the early inspiration and design concepts below.

Stage 1

Gathering colours, designs and pattern inspiration.

Stage 2

Designs go back to graphic designers with my notes for revision and tweaks.

Stage 3

Comparing designs, picking favourites and logo placement.

Stage 4

Being overly excited and proud about the final design selections for the first collection of Y+S mats.

Things where really starting to come together when... INSERT LIFE DISTRACTION!

I was listening to my head instead of my heart and decided it was time I got a 'real' job. I started working 5-6 days a week. I thought this is what everyone else does, it must be the right thing to do. I ignored so many of my instincts and continued down this path for a whole year!

After taking a well needed holiday and feeding my soul with my love of travel I realised I had been on the wrong track for the last year! I was EXHAUSTED, RUNDOWN, OVER WORKED, UNDER APPRECIATED AND COMPLETELY DRAINED! I asked myself why am I feeling the worst I have in my entire life when I'm doing 'WHAT I SHOULD BE DOING?'

Before returning home I quit my job... It was the most liberating and uplifting feeling!!

THIS IS THE MOMENT WITH MY HUSBAND AFTER I SENT MY LETER OF RESIGNATION! PURE HAPPINESS!

Feeling more like myself than I had in over a year I was back to freelancing, working for myself and creating my own path! Listening to my heart always! With the endless support of James and myself I got back to making my yoga mat dream become a reality!

AND HERE THEY ARE TODAY!!!!!

Thank you for taking the time to read the 'short' version of the evolution of my YOGA + SCULPT YOGA MATS. I am so proud of these products, they have truly been designed with nothing but love and a good intention. You will feel the positive energy as soon as you step on to your vibrant Y+S mat.